Today I spoke in the House of Commons, in a special debate about an extra junction on the M11, north of Harlow.
We desperately need an extra junction, because:
- Harlow has just one motorway entrance. Basildon has four.
- Recent roadworks have NOT solved the problem.
- Congestion causes a huge cost to the local economy.
- An extra junction (7a) would massively boost jobs in Harlow.
- The cost of an extra junction is very modest, compared to other schemes.
I was very encouraged by the Government’s reply, because they hinted there might be light at the end of the tunnel.
It was a small step towards victory for local residents, when they said: “Harlow is well placed to benefit from available investment, when the current financial position eases.”
The Government acknowledged the serious congestion in our town, saying: “traffic in and out of Harlow has to traverse a series of mainly single-lane carriageways to reach key destinations such as the town centre and areas of employment.”
They agreed that: 'Frequent congestion is the result. Congestion is seen as a barrier to achieving the town's regeneration and economic growth ambitions.”
I have been campaigning for a new junction since 2007. See http://www.fedupwithharlowtraffic.net/ for more information, or look at the question I asked the Transport Minister a few weeks ago HERE.
UPDATE : view the video HERE.
by Robert Halfon - www.roberthalfon.blogspot.com
Well Done, keep fighting, Harlow and other area's nearby badly require a solution.
ReplyDeleteDon't forget the safety aspect, so many times the slip road road queues at peak times are back onto the M11 both southbound and northbound that the statistics must shown accident and road deaths are cause because of the shear volume that Junction 7 can't cope with.
Regards,
Rob Gray